Saddle clamp having electrical bonding character

Abstract

A saddle clamp which incorporates internal electrical bonding elements adapted to maintain electrical contact with a clamped tube structure without transferring structural load between the tube and the electrical bonding components. The saddle clamp includes an inner tube contacting surface having at least one surface groove. At least one electrical contact element extends between portions of the inner tube contacting surface. The electrical contact element includes tube contact segment disposed in opposing relation to a portion of the surface groove. The electrical contact element is electrically connected to the mounting bracket to transmit electrical charge from the tube.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This non-provisional application is national phase of PCT / US2010 / 054049 filed Oct. 26, 2010, and claims the benefit of, and priority from, U.S. Provisional Application 61 / 256,693 filed Oct. 30, 2009.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to clamping structures, and more particularly to a saddle clamp adapted to support metal piping or tubing such as a fuel tube or the like in an aircraft or other environment of use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle clamp providing electrical contact between the clamped tubing and a metal support frame or other electrical contact structure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is known to use plastic saddle clamps to hold piping or tubing in place. One environment of use for such saddle clamps is to support fuel lines or other tubing structures in an aircraft wing. In this environment the saddle clamp is required to accommodate flexing of the fuel line without significa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a saddle clamp which incorporates internal electrical bonding elements adapted to maintain electrical contact with a clamped tube structure without transferring structural load between the tube and the electrical bonding components. Electrical contact connections are thereby maintained without imparting sliding wear to the tubing and the need to use external electrical contact wire connections is reduced or eliminated. Accordingly, such an arrangement substantially reduces complexity while providing enhanced electrical coupling and charge dissipation.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, friction may cause electrical charges to build up on the fuel lines during use.

As will be appreciated, while this arrangement is quite effective in dissipating electrical charge, it requires a number of additional components and connections thereby increasing assembly time.

Moreover, since the conductive cables must be attached by a person, there is a possibility that human error may result in one or more of the cables being grounded improperly or not at all.

Further, even when all connections are properly made during initial installation, one or more cables may become disengaged during use or routine maintenance thereby reducing the efficiency of the electrical contact system.

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